Health and Safety
Taking care with power tools and ladders, and dealing with such hazards as asbestos, lead paint and mould.
Mould
There are thousands of different types of mould. Some are harmless, some can be beneficial, and some are potential health hazards.
Moulds are a type of fungi which need moisture and a food source such as wood to grow. They reproduce by releasing spores into the air. In most cases, the spores only cause ill health when large numbers are inhaled. They can produce allergic reactions similar to hay fever, breathing difficulties, and in a few cases more serious symptoms.
Mould and leaking buildings
When dealing with leaking buildings there’s a very high chance you’ll find mould in wall cavities. It is important that the proper precautions are taken to ensure that neither workers nor building occupants are exposed to health hazards from moulds during building repairs.
If you’re working where a leak is suspected, proceed slowly, preferably investigating from outside, although this won’t always be possible. Remove just a portion of the lining to determine what type of mould is present within the wall cavity. Do not rip into the demolition with a crowbar: all this does is spread the spores.
Black mould may be harmless, or it may be a toxic variety called stachybotrys. Take a sample with care, following this process:
- Put on a mask or breathing filter and disposable gloves, and ensure bare skin is covered.
- Get a strip of adhesive tape about 100 mm long.
- Place the tape over the mould and press firmly.
- Lift the tape off and place it in a plastic bag.
- Seal the bag with tape.
- Send the sample to a testing laboratory.
- If the test is positive for stachybotrys, it is important to use a respirator with at least a P1 filter when working with the mouldy materials. Wear protective clothing which is disposable or easily washable.